How the GMO Technology Works

People from various cultures all over the world have developed a wide range of biotechnologies that they have been using for a long time and have fully adapted to. Although there have been numerous advancements in different forms of biotechnologies, genetic engineering remains the most common. This kind of biotechnology involves manipulating or deleting an organism’s genes using molecular modern biology techniques. The organism that results from gene editing is known as a genetically modified organism (GMO) (FAO, 2013).

Therefore, this paper seeks to provide detailed information on genetically modified microorganisms, their technology, and the social and ethical implications.

Biological Basis

How the GMO Technology Works

There has been plenty of technological progress in the field of biology; genetic modification has become a standard practice. Gene insertion is the most common method being used; it involves inserting an organism with a gene where it is originally not possessed (Piguet and Poindron, 2012). Many methods are used for gene insertion, but the two key methods used are the gene gun method or bacterial vectors. A gene gun, uses microscopic pellets of tungsten. The DNA being transmitted to the new organism is coated on the pellets which are loaded into the barrel of the gene gun. These pellets are the one that enters the cell, the DNA contains genes that are encoded for a desired trait, this makes sure that the genes are incorporated into the cell’s DNA (Piguet & Poindron, 2012).

Another method is insertion through vectors. In a typical gene-splicing procedure, plasmids is collected by a centrifuging process (a spinning process that separates material of different densities, for example, plasma from blood) and brought into contact with a restriction enzyme (FAO, 2013). The particular function of restriction enzyme is to cut DNA segments at certain fixed points. When the enzymes perform this operation on the plasmids, it leaves them with a gap in their ringed structure.

Foreign segments of DNA, bearing a pre-selected gene that has been isolated by sophisticated probing techniques from its natural environment, are now introduced into the plasmid population. These newly introduced DNA segments (which might have come from an animal, a plant, or another bacteria culture) now proceeds to occupy the gaps in the plasmids and with the help of another enzyme known as ligase, become fully attached to them (Wozniak & McHughen, 2012). The newly restructured plasmids are introduced into a bacterial culture and proceed to enter bacterial cells.

When the cells reproduce, an exact copy of the foreign gene is contained in the new cells. As the bacteria colony begins to provide protein in accordance with the coding instructions of the foreign gene, it, in effect, becomes a small production “factory” for the desired substance (Piguet and Poindron, 2012). The ”mass produced” protein can be separated from the structure by centrifuging and other chemical techniques. This plasmid method is used, incidentally, in the manufacture of insulin for those suffering from diabetes.

Accomplishments of GMO

Modified microorganisms are being used to prepare the treatment used in severe intestine diseases and stomach ulcers, a bacteria is involved in the making of an ant-inflammatory component in the human intestine. Likewise, gene therapy has enabled in the prevention of some hereditary diseases. Some plants such as the papaya have been genetically modified to develop resistance to virus. Genetically modified papaya has developed resistance to a virus known as Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV) which is spread mainly by aphids (FAO, 2013). Due to genetic engineering methods, tomatoes are now resistant to myotic and bacterial infections; planting bacterial genes has proved tolerant to herbicides. Also rice is now resistant to bacterial disease referred to as spotting of sprouts.

Resistance of plants to herbicides; plants, for example, soybeans has been genetically engineered to tolerate herbicides, enabling farmers to spray their farms without killing the plants. An example of a herbicide used to kill weeds is Glysophate. Another success is pathogen resistance; many plants are now resistant to pathogens, some of which include; potatoes, pumpkin, papaya and bananas (FAO, 2013). To sum up, increased growth rate; AquAdvantage salmon has been genetically modified to enable it to take less time to grow to market size. However, there are precautionary principle measures regarding GMO adopted to reduce uncertainty, health risks, safety, and environmental hazards. Also, a genetically modified organism is regulated through harmonization by the precautionary principle (FAO, 2013).

Social and Ethical Implications

A broad approach is adopted when trying to determine the ethical issues related to GMOs. We should be able to consider three ethical approaches: political value, usefulness, and environmental value (FAO, 2013). To begin with, the ethical issues that adjoin the growth and use of GMOs can be advanced in an open manner. However, this approach overwhelmed by a number of problems, including: The type of people will benefit or be affected by genetically modified foods and the kind of organisms that will be advantaged or disadvantaged from GMO technology as well as in calculating risks under uncertainty and stability of the altered gene.

When the usefulness has been determined, an approach to the environment is also very important. Therefore, we should inquire to find out whether the genetic variation is mainly valuable when regarding the environment as interactive being. If such a decision is arrived, then we should ask as to whether manipulating genetic structures is advisable (Wozniak & McHughen, 2012). Finally, GMOs are beneficial if accessed by the right group of people; therefore, we must recognize political control. Currently, distribution of GMOs is possible through market based economies, this has raised concern since all genes are owned and patented by multinational corporations. As soon as the concerns are addressed, we must recognize the benefits and risks of GMO technology. Some of the benefits of GMO comprises of accelerated growth cycle which makes crops take less time to market maturity and the product yield is now greater than before; this has improved the capacity to feed those with a lesser amount of food and money (Wozniak & McHughen, 2012). Further, GMOs have the ability to grow in many different climatic conditions, therefore distributable to more people. Through cloning, greater amount is produced with less amount of money.

However, with all these benefits, there have been some studies that have shown several risks associated with GMOs. These risks include the possibility of the development of ”superweeds” through the out-crossing of pesticidal GMOs and genetic pollution. Genetically modified foods are connected with hypersensitive and toxic reactions (FAO, 2013). The spraying of pesticides on the plants has resulted in the death of animals that consume them.

Personal View Point

Genetically modified microorganisms are very beneficial to humankind, but can also be dangerous when proper care is not taken, considering the risks associated with them. Therefore, various measures should be taken to avoid more effects of the GMOs. Government organizations should be established to control the GMO crops. They should also finance the research in determining the effects of the GMO on human health. There should be labels on the GMOs in every food vending shop. It will ensure that people know what food they are purchasing. Moreover, there must be a government organization to oversee the long term effect of the GMOs.

Conclusion

In summary, matters associated with the cultivation and intake of genetically modified crops seize a potential to significantly raise the output of plants and their nutritional value as well providing safety and environmental concerns. The genetically engineered foodstuffs have to be placed into an informed consumer and not be held by those in the administration and organizations which may not have community interest as their most important goal.

Reference

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2013). Genetically modified organisms, consumers, food safety and the environment. Rome: FAO

Piguet, P., & Poindron, P. (2012). Genetically modified organisms and genetic engineering in research and therapy. Basel: Karger.

Wozniak, C. A., & McHughen, A. (2012). Regulation of agricultural biotechnology: The United States and Canada. Dordrecht: Springer.